Powerlifting event in Regina showcases best in Canada

The Canadian Powerlifting Championships were held in Regina.

There were close to 400 men and women competing throughout the week, with the final events held on Saturday.

Among them, 77 Saskatchewan athletes were in the field.

Ryan Stinn, from Moose Jaw, was one of the organizers of the event as well as a competitor. He said being in front of a home crowd is special.

"To perform and lift in front of families [it's] not often do you get to do that," Stinn said.

"We had some amazing lifters. We have some really strong juniors in Saskatchewan, setting national, unofficial world records."

It was, to date, the biggest powerlifting meet ever held in Canada.

Stinn said the sport is thriving across the country and in the province.

"We have athletes who are pushing for some really high placings here and also in the world levels, so it's only going up from here," he said. "Saskatchewan powerlifting is healthy and definitely growing."

Stinn also competed on the final day of the meet. He was one of several local athletes who picked up a gold medal in their event categories.

"We are going to see the strongest male and female athletes competing for the crown of national champion," said organizer, athlete, refereeand coach Ryan Fowler.